DURANT, Okla. – After 35 years at Southeastern, the majority of those spent in athletics, Tammy Willis will be retiring from the University effective at the end of July.
Willis began her journey at SE in the business office, and after stops in human resources, academic affairs, and financial aid, she found her home in the department of athletics.
She has processed the business affairs for Southeastern’s athletic teams through the NAIA/NCAA transfer as well as the University’s change of nicknames.
Over that time she saw the number of teams in the department balloon to 12 as softball and volleyball made permanent returns in the 1990’s, followed by a return of men’s golf in the 2000’s. Rodeo transitioned to the department in the late 2000’s and women’s track and field made its debut in 2018.
And through that span, Willis grew with the department, taking on the growing challenges and expanding responsibilities and molding herself into an indispensable member of SE Athletics.
She has seen thousands of student athletes pass through the offices in Bloomer Sullivan Gymnasium over her stay with the University, not to mention dozens of head coaches, assistant coaches, GA’s, and other administrators.
But through it all, she has remained a steady and always reliable mainstay in the department.
Her work on behalf of Southeastern certainly did not go unnoticed, as anyone who has had the opportunity to work with her has experienced her love for the department and the University.
“Tammy is simply the best,” said Director of Athletics Keith Baxter. “She keeps everyone and everything calm and moving forward in a storm of activity. She is involved in every victory that has occurred during her tenure with the SE Athletic Department. She is the glue that holds our Department together. I cannot thank her enough for all she has done for us and she will be greatly missed.”
“Tammy has been an icon and rock in our athletic department for many years,” said Deputy Director of Athletics Cherrie Wilmoth. “She will be missed by all of us in the department as well as others across campus. I am excited for her and I wish her the best.”
“I would like to wish you all the best in retirement,” said Head Softball Coach Ron Faubion. “I appreciate all the help over the last 20 years. You made my job so much easier. You never complained and always took care of business. I’ll never forget the longs hours of starting the NCAA Compliance that you, Doc, and I did. Enjoy Mike, the kids, and the grandkids. You are one of the reasons working at Southeastern is special.”
“One thing that has been consistent during my fifteen years here at Southeastern has been Tammy Willis” said Head Women’s Basketball Coach Darin Grover. “She has been a fixer of problems for all of us coaches and staff for a long time. If I needed an answer to a question, Tammy either had it, or by memory could dial the extension of the person who did. It will be hard to replace her knowledge and organization, it is a retirement well earned.”
“I will miss our conversations, banter, and your innate ability to prod, cajole, and when all else fails, often do my work for me,” said Head Men’s Basketball Coach Kelly Green. “Not many times do we say someone is irreplaceable. However, with you I think I can say unequivocally that your experience, work ethic and personality make you worth more than the one person we will get to occupy your office. I remember after getting this job nine years ago and going home and telling Ginger I met someone who talks as fast as she does. Thanks for all you have done to make my job better/easier. I wish you well in the second stanza of your life. Will see you around the neighborhood.”
“I would just like to express my enjoyment,” said Director of Sports Performance Zach Fears, “Of seeing how excited Tammy is every time she talks about her grandkids or children in general. Her positivity and overall demeanor made such a great impact on me daily.”
“I have only been a part of Southeastern for a short amount of time,” added Head Volleyball Coach Nicole Solum, “But Tammy’s impact on me in that short amount of time is unmeasured. She welcomed me with open arms and became my go to person. I will never forget meeting her on my interview at SE. She has made such an impact on me and I know she has had the same impact on many others. I am blessed to have worked with her but even more blessed to have her as a friend.”
“Tammy has been such a blessing to me and our program,” said Head Tennis Coach Brian Nelson. “She is always on top of things, and reminds me when I need to get certain paperwork in. Although I have only known her for one year, it feels like more than that. I will certainly miss seeing her and having her help. There’s always a time for new adventure though, so I wish her the best!”